Bible In Poetry: Gospel Of St.Jude Poem by Dr John Celes

A servant of Jesus Christ, Jude,
And brother of apostle, James,
To those in God, the Father and
In Jesus Christ, Lord sanctified,
Writes, ‘Mercy unto you and peace,
Let love be ’mongst you multiplied.’

‘With diligence, I write to you,
Belov’d, of common salvation;
And exhort you to earnestly
Contend for faith given to saints! ’

‘Some men have crept in unawares,
And have become ungodly men,
And turn the grace of God, Most High
Into lasciviousness, then,
Denying Almighty, one God,
And Savior Jesus Christ, our Lord.’

‘I hence remind you, though you know,
How God had brought the people out,
Of bondage from the Egyptians,
And later destroyed the faithless! ’

‘And angels who had left their place,
To live in darkness eternal,
Unto the Day of Last Judgment! ’

‘The fate of Sodom, Gomorrah
Who gave in to fornication,
And lusted after strangers’ flesh,
And turned an example of God’s
Vengeance of eternal fire! ’

‘Likewise, these filthy dreamers too
Defile flesh, despise dominion,
And speak evil of dignities.’

‘And when the devil disputed,
About the body of Moses,
The archangel Michael just said,
‘The Lord rebuke thee! ’

‘These men speak abusively, yet’
Of things they understand or not,
Like animals that cannot reason,
And get destroyed for those same things.’

‘Woe to them who took to Cain’s ways,
And profit from Balaam’s error,
Destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.’

‘These are blemishes in your feasts,
Shepherds who feed just for themselves,
Eating without the slightest qualm.’

‘They are clouds without rain, wind-blown;
Fruit-less autumn trees, uprooted;
Sea-waves that foam without a shame;
Wandering stars for darkness pre-set! ’

Enoch had prophesied of them:
‘Lord comes with myriad holy ones;
To judge all, convict ungodly,
For acts and ways and sins galore.’

‘These were grumblers and fault-finders,
Who followed evil desires,
Who boasted of themselves often,
And flattered others selfishly.’

A Call to Persevere

Remember what apostles told:
‘In last days, scoffers will be seen
Who’ve with evil desires been! ’

‘Dear friends, build up your holy faith
And pray in the Holy Spirit
Remain in love of God always
Await Christ’s mercy for eternal life.’

‘Be merciful to those who doubt;
Rescue others from the fire;
Show mercy to others with fear;
Hate ev’n the dress of corrupt flesh! ’

Doxology:

‘To him who keeps you from falling,
And presents you with joy, faultless-
Let glory and majesty all,
Dominion and power also,
Belong to only God, our Lord,
Both now and forever, amen! ’

Copyright by Dr John Celes 6-22-2007